BELLEAIR, Florida. – Caitlin Clark You have a goal when you play in an LPGA pro-am.

“I’ve tried to practice as much as I can,” Clark said Tuesday. “I’m just your average golfer. I’m going to play something good, I’m going to play something bad. …I’m just going to try not to hit anyone outside the ropes. But it will be fun.”

The WNBA Rookie of the Year star was invited to participate in Wednesday’s pro-am at Pelican Golf Club before The Annika. The presenting sponsor is Gainbridge, which has a sponsorship agreement with Clark.

She participated in an LPGA Women’s Leadership Summit with Sorenstam, the tournament host, and former model and business leader Kathy Ireland.

Clark will play on the front nine with Nelly Korda, the No. 1-ranked women’s player who won the LPGA Player of the Year award. He plays the back nine with Sorenstam, who retired in 2008 and is now dabbling in senior golf.

Clark had said after the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs that she I was planning to play golf until it got too cold in IndianaAnd he adds with a smile: “Become a professional golfer.”

Yes, I was joking.

“I have tried to take as much time as possible to practice, but there is little hope. “Just cross your fingers and pray,” he said Tuesday. “No, I practiced a little bit and only got the quote about becoming a professional golfer. Everyone thought I was serious. He wasn’t serious. I love it. I love being outdoors and making it competitive with my friends.

“It’s a challenge and what I’m looking forward to is coming here, being around the best and having a good time.”

This will be his second pro-am, which typically attracts athletes and entertainers. Clark played in the John Deere Classic pro-am in July 2023 while still at Iowa.

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AP Golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf